A symbol of progress stands before us. This is Escola Graduada. It represents a pivotal moment in Palma’s educational history. For many years, locals knew it as CP Gabriel Alzamora. But its original name, Escola Graduada, always stuck in their minds.
Escola Graduada was the first public school building in Mallorca. It offered graded education. This concept was a major demand. Progressive groups at the beginning of the 20th century wanted it. They associated it with progress and European pedagogical modernization. Escola Graduada became a symbol of the future. People also saw it as a model to follow.
The construction of Escola Graduada has a long history. Its first stone came from the demolition of Palma’s old city walls. This act clearly showed the regeneration movement’s sentiment. They demolished something old. It represented an obsolete past. At the same time, they started building something new. It symbolized progress.
The people of Palma remember Escola Graduada’s pioneering role. Even when its official name was Col·legi Públic Gabriel Alzamora, people still called it Escola Graduada. This clearly showed its origins. The original name was recovered relatively recently. This event started a process. It recognized the school’s history and identity. The celebration of its centenary marked the culmination of this process.
The organization and operation of Escola Graduada depended on regulations. It also depended on ownership and management. Understanding how a school works involves direct observation. It can also be understood indirectly. This might be through a report.
Escola Graduada had a pedagogical project. The urban reform of Palma in the early 20th century led to the construction of the first graded school in the city.
Escola Graduada was a municipal center. It incorporated a state school. The head teacher was Bartomeu Terrades Mir.
The new school would have a general director. Bartomeu Terrades Mir would have this role. He would receive additional pay for it. Gabriel Comas was to be director of the Froebelian section. But he did not join the center. The ministry did not authorize it.
Two teachers would be in charge of kindergarten. They were Josefa Bauzá and Rosa Estaràs. Rosa was an assistant. Four teachers would be for other classes. Two were hired by the City Council. They were Josep Balaguer and Antoni Salleras. The State would appoint the other two.
Pere Caffaro and Joan Pizà were specialist drawing teachers. Louis Carbou was a French specialist teacher. There were also junior staff and cleaning staff. Specialist teachers also taught classes outside school hours. These classes were for students not enrolled in the center. The center also offered the possibility of organizing conferences or cultural events.
In 2007, Escola Graduada received the Emili Darder Prize. This was at the 31st of December Awards from the Balearic Cultural Association. It was awarded for being the first public graduate school in Mallorca. It was also for its outstanding work. This involved implementing Catalan as the language of communication and teaching. This happened in one of the most linguistically diverse areas of Palma.
Today, Escola Graduada continues its legacy. It adapts to new challenges. The school remains a beacon of education in Palma. Its history is etched in its walls. Its future shines brightly.